Ports

The Government of Canada announced it has extended its ban on cruise ships through the end of October 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marc Garneau, Canada's Minister of Transport, made the announcement that cruise ships with overnight accommodations allowed to carry more than 100 persons are prohibited from operating in Canadian waters until October 31, 2020.

Canada had already banned cruise ships from April through the end of June.

Hawaii's Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism published an economic prediction report that expects no cruise ship passengers until the second half of 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major downturn in Hawaii's economy, and it is noteworthy that the report includes an assumption that there will be, "No cruise visitors until second half of 2021."

The Bahamas is mulling over reopening its borders for travel "on or before" July 1.

Tribune Business reports Bahamian Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced the country is considering plans to resume domestic travel.

"We are looking at a possible date for commercial travel on or before July 1 of this year," he said. "These dates may change depending on the circumstance. I want to repeat, however, that this date is not final."

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister announced it will open its borders in June, after having to shut its borders due to the spread of COVID-19.

An American Airlines flight will land on the island on June 4.

The Caribbean island of Aruba has plans in the works to reopen its borders sometime next month.

The Government of Aruba announced on May 8th a tentative re-opening of the borders for inbound travel between June 15 and July 1, 2020.

Aruba’s tourism authority made the update via its website to inform the public of the plan.

These dates are subject to change that will depend on additional precautionary measures as needed.

Aruba is the first Caribbean destination to announce a specific date for a border reopening. 

The Ketchikan City Council is debating whether to allow cruise ships to dock at its port, having to weigh the financial benefit of a cruise ship visit versus the potential spread of Coronavirus.

The Ketchikan Daily News reported the city council is discussing  allowing cruise operators to pay for space and services at its downtown berths.

Bermuda is locking down its borders and has denied entry to three recent cruise ships that requested permission to dock.

Bernews reports the Bermuda Ministry of Tourism and Transport confirmed it denied requests by the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Gem, and the MS Europa. The ships were intending to ‘lay up’ with crew and medical staff only, and to date neither cruise line has had any incidents of coronavirus associated with its fleet.

The Canadian government announced today that it will denying entry to Canada to people who are not citizens or permanent residents. Exceptions will be made for air crews, diplomats, immediate family members of citizens and U.S. citizens.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Monday, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Nassau Cruise Port said its port construction project is expected to remain on schedule, despite the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nassau is  currently redeveloping the port facility to enhance the passenger experience and increase business opportunities for Bahamians.

Despite the major cruise lines announcing at least a 30 day halt to cruises because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Nassau Cruise Port will not alter the construction plans.